Academics
Middle School
The Magnitude of Middle School
In middle school, students develop the habits of mind and body that drive their future success in school. At this crucial juncture, we want to foster and sustain curiosity and desire to learn. Middle schoolers want to explore, create, collaborate, and question incessantly. As a progressive school, we encourage and guide that energy. At Burke, the city is our classroom – and students learn through frequent field trips, outdoor experience, and travel in and beyond the region.
Middle School Program by Grade
List of 2 items.
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High School Curriciulum
Burke offers both a thoughtful, measured transition from 8th to 9th grade and exciting, new experiences when students begin high school. -
Phones & Devices in Middle School
Given the research, our own experiences, and our emphasis on learning and community, all middle schoolers (Grades 6-8) place their phone and / or smartwatch in a locked cabinet for the duration of the school day.
Further reading:
Get Phones Out of Schools Now by Jonathan Haidt (NYU Stern)
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6th Grade Core
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7th Grade Language Arts
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8th Grade Band
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Our Vision
We believe the world is diverse and dynamic. Through experiences that foster creativity, self-discovery, and wonder, our Middle School students cultivate the skills and habits of mind they need to become critical thinkers and passionate learners.Burke students learn to collaborate with others and excel as individuals, ready to embrace the opportunities and meet the challenges of the future. We empower global citizens to change the world.
News & Events
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Life is the Bubbles!
Congratulations to the cast and crew of the middle school's The Little Mermaid Jr. on a heart-warming, uplifting performance weekend. With 27 actors and 10 crew members, plus production support from the high school, our final show of the year was a community-wide (under the sea) experience. Special shout-out to the 8th graders taking their final bows as middle schoolers and we look forward to your future performances.Read More -
Cast Announcement: The Little Mermaid
This spring's middle school musical, Disney's The Little Mermaid JR., will be a true community endeavor, with nearly half of 6th-8th graders taking the stage. Mark your calendars for May 16-17 and prepare to venture under the sea.Read More -
Civil Rights in the American South
Our Class of 2029 has returned from their 8th grade capstone trip to Alabama, where they moved from Birmingham to Selma and Lowndes County to Montgomery. They began at the Sixteenth St. Baptist Church, where they met with Dr. Carolyn McKinstry, an author, activist, and witness to the bombing of the church in 1963.Read More -
Student Spotlight
Filmmaker Stella B. '30 will be featured in Seed to Roots at the Weinberg Center for the second year in a row! This Frederick-based showcase offers "young performers and visual artists the opportunity to develop their talents while paying tribute to Black heritage."Read More -
Heart of the Matter(s)
Scientific ValentinesRead MoreIn the spirit of the February holiday, Amy C. (MS Science) and. Kay C. (Visual Arts) teamed up with the 7th grade to animate scientifically accurate beating hearts with Procreate software.
Pictured: work by Rose M. '30. -
Music and Movements
8th grade:Read More
The grade's leadership group reached out to Matthew Whittaker '04, inviting him to speak with the full grade in advance of their week-long trip to Alabama next month. Matthew talked about his favorite musicians and how music of the 1950s and 1960s played a role in the Civil Rights Movement in America. -
The Science of Life
Read MoreIn the 2nd trimester, 7th grade scientists focus on the human body, including the immune, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems – studies anchored in Life Science with Amy C. and spanning multiple departments. -
Space Farming Report
7th grade Life Science has been studying the effects of cosmic radiation on plant seeds.Read More -
Sports Spotlight: Girls MS Soccer Team
Your reigning conference champions made a remarkable case to repeat their title this season.Read More -
Theatrical Wonderland
To wrap up the trimester, students in Brent's Acting, Directing & Design 8 class performed excerpts from Alice in Wonderland for other 8th grade arts classes.Read More -
Clean Up On the 2800 Block
Through Clean City DC's Adopt a Block program, Burke has adopted the 2800 and 2900 blocks of Upton Street NW. "Anyone can participate in the Adopt a Block program - individuals, families, churches, businesses, schools, and other groups and organizations," according to #TrashFreeDC.Read More -
Burke On The Road - October 2024
Read MoreExperiential learning abounds this fall. On a given day, you might spot numerous classes leaving campus during the double period for exploration and research. For example: -
Burke On The Road - September 2024
In progressive schools, we expect learning to be hands-on, active, and experiential. Thanks to our Metro-accessible location, DC's vast cultural and historical resources can support just such learning.Read More -
With Pride and Music
On Wednesday, June 5, 6th-11th grade gathered for the year's final assembly. Middle school (in the Theater) and high school (in the Atrium) held their own recognitions of Pride Month, led by the Queer Student Alliance. High school leaders discussed the origins of Pride in the US, complemented by original poetry by students.Read More -
Sustainability in Philly
The 7th grade has returned from their annual overnight in Philadelphia, centered around sustainability and conservation. Following an early departure, they spent the morning at the Philadelphia Zoo, explored Bartram’s Garden and searched for microplastics in the Schuylkill River, and visited the Magic Gardens before spending the night at Temple University.Read More -
The Sun Comes Out On Stage
On May 16-18, the Middle School performed an uplifting, sold-out run of Annie Jr., the Broadway staple about a resourceful young orphan (Leona K. '28) and a guarded, but benevolent billionaire (Jessica B. '29) amid the Great Depression in New York City.Read More -
"Annie:" Cast & Crew Announcement
This coming spring, the Middle School will mount Annie Jr., featuring a high-energy, captivating cast of 30 performers. Set in New York City amid the Great Depression, this Broadway standard follows the optimistic Annie (Leona K. '28) as she escapes swindling from the spiteful Miss Hannigan (Izzy M. '28) and con artists Rooster (Robert D. '28) and Lily (Natalie W. '28), and discovers an opulent new world with Olivia Warbucks (Jessica B. '29) and Grace Farrell (Jayla Z. '28).Read More -
An Upset on Pi Day
Thursday, March 14 ("3.14"), marked the annual celebration of a transcendental mathematical constant.Read More -
8th Grade: Experience History
On February 12, the 8th grade embarked on their annual, four-day civil rights tour through Alabama, as part of their social justice framework. The trip begins in Birmingham, then moves among Montgomery, Selma, and Lowndes County.Read More -
Student Spotlight: Ella B. '30
In celebration of Black History Month, the Weinberg Center for the Arts in Frederick, MD, showcased young artistic talents in Seeds to Roots. Featured at the event was "Whoa, I'm Glowing: a Celebration of Black Girl Joy and Ancestral Harmony" by Ella B. '30. Watch the animated short right here.Read More
Co-ed, progressive, college prep school in Washington, DC featuring a challenging curriculum in an inclusive environment for grades 6-12.
4101 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 | Phone: 202-362-8882 | Fax: 202-362-1914